Smithsonian Motor Works

Other products by NSI

Product Features

• Learn how a real engine works
• A real working battery powered 4-cylinder model engine with real lights and sounds
• Watch the spark plugs fire and the valves open and close
• Includes lights and sounds.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4 x 12.8 x 18 inches ; 3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B000246MNS
• Item model number: 90805
• Our Recommended Age: 8 - 14 years
• Manufacturer Recommended Age: 8 - 14 years
• Batteries: 2 AA batteries required.
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #26,742 in Toys & Games (See Bestsellers in Toys & Games)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #4 in	Toys & Games > Hobbies > Science > Mechanics
  #30 in	Toys & Games > Hobbies > Science > Astronomy
  #79 in	Toys & Games > Hobbies > Science > Chemistry & Physics > Physics

• Average Customer Review: 2.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

From the Manufacturer
Motor Works

Product Description
For the child who loves cars and trucks, this comprehensive kit includes everything needed to build a working engine. Using the step-by-step instructions, a young car enthusiast can create a working model engine with four cylinders. The valves rock, spark plugs fire and pistons drive the crankshaft. Set includes more than 100 parts, a custom screwdriver and instructions. Adult supervision recommended. Requires 2 "AA" batteries (not included). Measures 13"L x 4"W x 18"H.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

66 of 67 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Nice try but poor manufacturing , December 31, 2006

By	Eric L. Williams (Virginia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Please oh please do not buy this item.

My son was interested in engines and I bought this to show him how an engine works. The parts are all listed correctly and the assembled picture looks interesting.

The assembly of the engine is nothing short of maddening. The parts do not line up correctly, they break if you apply even a small amount of pressure to them and the worst thing of all are the screws provided.

They are slightly too large for holes they fit into. The holes are not tapped and the screws were becoming stripped when attempting to screw them in. I tried a smaller screwdriver than the one provided but that did not help. I took out my drill and tried to widen the holes but the cast plastic case cracked.

I eventually got it all together and tried it.....crap. The pistons move up and down in the cylinder but the cams do not move the rocker arms which do not move the valves. I disassembled it all and tried again, spending almost 6 hours massaging the parts, adding glue, ensuring contact is made and using other means of holding parts together, but after all that...the same result. the pistons move up and down but that is all. There is just too much slop in the rest of the parts to actually all move together.

Don't waste your time.

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Terrible disappointment, January 17, 2007

By	Keeper@Home (Olympia, WA USA) - See all my reviews

My son received this as a Christmas gift. He and his brother and Dad were excited...got all set up to build it...and got nothing but frustration! These are really mechanically minded guys too. Very disappointing. I was especially surprised because of the Smithsonian name on it -- you'd think they would test this stuff before allowing their name on it. My guys never got as far as the reviewer who eventually got it assembled. The screws stripped and we didn't have the appropriate glue to even attempt a rescue. It simply would not assemble the way it was advertised. I am calling Amazon tomorrow about a refund.

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Don't Waste Your Time or Money!, February 27, 2007

By	fairy13 "tam213" (USA) - See all my reviews

Every review on this item so far sums up exactly what happens with this item.I wish I would have read their reviews before ordering this item.Sorry I could not give it less than one star. I think Smithsonian should refund everyone's purchase price!